Automatic controls for splicing rollstand



June 20, 1967 H. suzssme 3,326,486

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR SPLICINC' ROLLSTAND Filed Sept. 2, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR. HUBERT ELESSING ATTORNEY June 20, 1967 BLESSING 3,326,486

AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR SPL-IGING HOLLSTAND Filed Sept. 2, 1965 4 Sheets-Sheet INVENTQR, HUBERT BLESSING A TORNE Y June 20, 1967 H. BLESSING AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR SPLICING ROLLSTAND 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed Sept. 2, 1965 June 20, 1967 H. BLESSING AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR SPLICING FOLLSTAND 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 2, 1965 mm GI hum \i mk INVENTOR. HUBERT BLESSING ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,326,486 AUTOMATIC CONTROLS FOR SPLICING ROLLSTAND Hubert Blessing, Brooklyn, N.Y., assignor to William F. Huck, doing business as Huck Company, Montvale,

' Filed Sept. 2, 1965, Ser. No. 484,551

11 Claims. c1. 242-ss.s

This invention relates generally to rollstands in which a Web being delivered or unwound from a web supply roll about to expire is spliced to the leading end of the web forming a new web supply roll so that web material can be continuously delivered from one web supply roll after another, for example, to a printing press or other web processing machine.

Splicing rollstands of the type to which this invention relates have support means, for example, in the form of reel arms, for carrying a first web roll from which the web is being unwound and a second or new web roll which is to have its leading end, at the roll periphery, spliced to the web from the first roll. When splicing is to be elfected, the reel arms are turned to move the new web roll from a loading position to a splicing position adjacent a run of the web from the first or expiring roll which is moved from a normal running position. Upon movement of the new web roll to splicing position, a splicing assembly which includes a paster pressure brush or rollers and cutting blades is moved toward the run of the web from the expiring roll so as to be operable thereon from the side of the run facing away from the new roll at splicing position. When disposed at the splicing position, the new web roll is rotated about its own axis so as to more or less match its peripheral speed to the speed of movement of the adjacent run of the web being unwound from the expiring web roll. When the thus rotated new web roll is in the angular or rotational position about its axis at which adhesive previously applied to the periphery of the roll, preferably near the leading end of its web, faces toward the adjacent run of the web from the expiring roll, the splicing assembly is actuated or triggered to cause the paster brush or rollers to press the expiring web run against the adhesive and thereby join or splice the web of the new roll to the web from the expiring roll, and then to cause the cutting blades of the splicing assembly to sever the web from the expiring roll at a location between the latter and the splice. Upon the completion of the foregoing splicing and cutting operations, the reel arms are further turned to move the new web roll from the splicing position to the normal running position, and to simultaneously move the expired web roll to the loading position at which it can be removed from the reel arms and replaced by the next new web supply roll.

In existing splicing rollstands, difficulties have been experienced in automatically controlling and coordinating the several above described operations so as to ensure that each expired web roll, when removed from the rollstand, has a uniform minimum amount of web material remaining on its core. In the past, the several operations of the splicing rollstand have been automatically controlled in accordance with a predetermined timed sequence, that is, with a fixed elapsed time between the initiation and completion of the splicing operations, irrespective of the speed at which the web material is continuously delivered from one web supply roll after another to the associated printing press or other web processing machine, so that the amount of web material running off or unwound from the expiring roll during the splicing operations will vary with variations in web speed. Further, the existing splicing rollstands initiate the splicing operations thereof when a predetermined supply of web material remains on the expiring roll which supply is at least as much as the amount of web material that would be unwound therefrom at the maximum web speed during the fixed elapsed time required for the splicing operations.

Since splicing rollstands of the described character are required to continuously deliver the web material to an associated printing press or other web processing machine at widely varying speeds, for example, speeds ranging from to 2000 feet per minute, the predetermined initiation and fixed timing of the splicing operations that result in a desirably small amount of web material remaining on the expired roll when the Web material is being delivered at the'maximum speed in such range will result in an excess amount of web material remaining on the expired roll when the web is being delivered at slower speeds. Such excess web material remaining on the expired roll core constitutes expensive wastage.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to automatically initiate and control the splicing operations of a rollstand of the described character so that a uniformly small amount of web material remains on each expired roll core at the completion of the splicing operations irrespective of the speed at which web material is continuously delivered from the splicing rollstand to the associated printing press or other web processing machine.

Another object is to provide a splicing rollstand in which the sequence of operations for splicing a new web supply roll to the web being unwound from an expiring web roll is initiated automatically when the diameter of the expiring roll has been reduced to a predetermined dimension, and the sequence of splicing operations is controlled so as to be completed during the unwinding of a predetermined length of the web from the expiring roll, whereby, upon the completion of the splicing operations, a uniformly small amount of web material remains on the expired roll core irrespective of the speed at which the web has been delivered from the expiring roll.

In accordance with an aspect of this invention, the splicing operations of the rollstand are controlled by timing means operated upon initiation of the sequence of splicing operations and which vary the intervals between successive operations of the rollstand in inverse relation to variations of the web speed so that a predetermined length of web is unwound from the expiring web roll during the splicing operations, thereby to leave the desired uniformly small amount of web material on the expired roll core, irrespective of the web speed.

In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the timing means which control the splicing operations of the roll-v stand include time delay relay means actuated after variable periods of energization thereof to determine the intervals between successive operations, and generator means driven at a speed proportional to the web speed to generate a control voltage that varies with variations of web speed, such control voltage being impressed on the time delay relay means for varying the periods that they are energized prior to actuation.

The above, and other objects, features and advantages of the invention, will be apparent in the following detailed descriptionof an illustrative embodiment thereof which is to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of a splicing rollstand shown partly broken away and in section and having controls in accordance with this invention, with only those elements of the rollstand being shown which are essential to an understanding of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic end elevational view of the rollstand also shown partly broken away and in section; and

FIGS. 3A and 3B together represent a schematic wiring diagram of the electrical components of the controls for the rollstand.

Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 in detail, it will be seen that a splicing rollstand of the type to which this invention may be applied includes vertical side frame members A and B carrying bearings 11 (FIG. 2) in which the opposite end portions of .a rotatable horizontal shaft 12 are journaled. The successive web supply rolls from which web material is to be continuously delivered are rotatably supported between ends of a pair of reel or spider arms 13a and 13b which are mounted, at their centers, on shaft 12. Shaft 12 is rotatable by a gear 14 secured on an end of the shaft extending beyond side frame member A and meshing with a pinion 15 mounted on the shaft extension of a motor 16 carried by a bracket 17 secured to side frame member A (FIG. 2).

During normal running of rollstand 10, reel arms 13a and 13b are disposed in the position shown in broken lines on FIG. 1 and the web W is unwound from a web supply roll Ia positioned at a normal running position R by the related ends of the reel arms. The web W unwound by idler roller 18, extends across the path of travel of from web supply roll Ia passes upwardly around a roller 7 18 journaled in side frame members A and B and then travels toward the left, as viewed on FIG. 1, so as to pass over a floating roller 19 forming part of a variable speed drive mechanism 20 shown in broken lines on FIG. 1 and which acts as a'web tension control device. The mechanism 20 may be of the type disclosed in detail in US. Patent No, 3,103,320, issued Sept. 10, 1963, to William F. Huck, and provides a variable drive ratio between cross shafts 21 and 22 which are journaled in side frame members A and B. Shaft 21 is suitably driven from the printing press or other web processing machine (not shown) to which the rollstand continuously delivers web material. Shaft 22 has at least one drive pulley 23 secured thereon, and each drive pulley 23 is in driving engagement with a main unwinding or drive belt 24. The main unwinding or drive belt 24 travels downwardly toward the left, as viewed on FIG. 1, from its drive pulley 23 and passes successively around idler pulleys 25 and-26, a takeup pulley 27, and idler pulleys 28 and 29. The last mentioned idler pulley 29 is disposed below drive pulley 23 so that a run of drive belt 24 moving upwardly from idler pulley 29 to drive pulley 23, and being shown in full and broken linesin two different positions on FIG. 1, is frictionally engageable with a web roll Ia when that ron is in the normal running position R, and also when reel arms 13a and 13b are turned so as to dispose roll Ia in the expiring position E indicated in full lines on FIG. 1. The several idler pulleys 25, 26, 28 and 29 are freely rotatable on shafts journaled at fixed locations in frame members A and B. Take-up pulley 27 is rotatable on a shaft having its ends journaled in bearing blocks 30 which are urged upwardly by fluid pressure operated cylinders 31 so that pulley 27 is effective to maintain a desired tension in drive belt 24 as the length of the drive belt included in the run engaging roll Ia is varied by reduction of the diameter of that roll and by movement of the reel arms.

As described in detail in US. Patent No. 3,103,320, which is identified more fully above, variable speed drive mechanism 20 functions, in response to variations in the tension of the web W acting on floating roller 19, to suitably vary the rotational speed of shaft 22 carrying drive pulley 23, and hence to vary the speed of belt 24 and the speed at which that belt unwinds the web W from roll Ia, in the sense for restoring a desired tension in the web.

When a web roll Ia held between ends of reel arms 13a and 13b is disposed at the normal running position R and the web is being unwound therefrom, as described above, the opposite ends of the reel arms are disposed at a loading position L so as to receive a new web roll. After a substantial proportion of the web on roll Ia at the normal running position R has been unwound therenew web roll Ib toward splicing position S.

The rollstand 10 is further shown to include an accelerating device 32 comprising at least one accelerating belt 33 which engages and is driven by a drive pulley 34 on a shaft 35 journaled in side frame members A and B.

Arms 36 constituting a frame of accelerating device 32 are suitably supported for rocking about the axis of shaft 35 to permit movement of the accelerating device between its operative position shown on FIG. 1 and a raised inoperative position. A shaft 37 rotatably supported by the outer or free ends of arms 36 carries an idler roller 38 around which accelerating belt 33 passes so that a substantial length of the lower run of belt 33 between drive pulley 34 and idler pulley 38 can be moved against and frictionally contact the periphery of new web roll Ib at splicing position S when the accelerating device is in its operative position. The return run of belt 33 passes over an idler pulley 39 journaled in arms 36 and then over a tensioning pulley 40 which is journaled between arms 41 pivotally carried by extensions 42 of arms 36. Tensioning pulley 40 is urged against belt 33 by means of fluid pressure operated cylinders 43 pivotally carried by arms 36.

Shaft 35, and hence drive pulley 34, are driven from shaft 22 by means of a belt and pulley transmission 44 shown in broken lines on FIG. 1. When accelerating device 32 is moved to its illustrated operative position so as to have its belt 33 frictionally contacted with the periphery of new web roll Ib at splicing position S, transmission 44 causes belt 33 to accelerate the new web roll up to a peripheral speed equal to the linear speed of movement of the web W being unwound from expiring web roll In by main drive belt 24.

In order to effect the movement of accelerating device 32 between its raised inoperative position and the illustrated operative position, extension 42 of arms 36 are pivotally connected to forked ends of piston rods 45 extending from cylinders 46 which are pivotally supported by adjacent side frame'members A and B. Conduits 47 and 48 extend from the opposite ends of each cylinder 46 to one side of a solenoid controlled valve 49, and flow control or metering valves 50' and 51 are interposed in conduits 47 and 48, respectively, for controlling the rate of fluid flow therethrough into the related ends of cylinder 46. Connected to valve 49 is a conduit 52 extending from a fluid pressure supply line P and having interposed therein a'pressure regulator 53 adjusted to establish a relatively high pressure, for example, 50 psi, in conduit 52, and which is capable of bleeding excess pressure fluid from conduit 52. Also interposed in conduit 52 is a pressure gauge 54 for indicating the pressure for which regulator 53 has been adjusted. A conduit 55 extending from a second solenoid controlled valve 56 is also connected to valve 49. Valve 56 is connected to fluid pressure supply line P through a conduit 57 having a pressure regulator 58 and pressure gauge 59 interposed therein. Pressure regulator 58 is adjusted to establish a relatively low pressure, for example 30 p.s.i., in conduit 57. Valve 56 further has a vent or discharge port 60.

' When valve 49 is deenergized, it connects conduit 48 with conduit 52 and conduit 47 with conduit 55. When valve 56 is deenergized, it connects conduits 55 with the vent or discharge port 60. Thus, when solenoid valves 49 and 56 are both deenergized, fluid under relatively high pressure is supplied from conduit 52 to the righthand end of each cylinder 46, as viewed on FIG. 1, and the left-hand end of each cylinder 46 is vented. The high fluid pressure acting in the right-hand end of each cylinder 46 produces a force sufficient to overcome the weight of accelerating device 32 and to raise the latter to its inoperative position.

When/ only solenoid valve 56 is energized, it permits fluid under pressure from supply line P to enter the lefthand end of each cylinder 46 by way of conduit 57, energized valve 56, conduit 55, deenergized valve 49 and conduit 47. Although the pressure regulator 58 in conduit 57 is set for a pressure lower than that established in conduit 52 by regulator 53, the force resulting from the relatively low pressure acting to the left of the piston in each cylinder 46 and the weight of the components of accelerating device 32 pivotally suspended about shaft 35 more than overcome the counter-force resulting from the relatively high pressure acting to the right of the piston in each cylinder 46, and accordingly arms 36 are moved downwardly from their raised position. Flow control valve 51 in conduit 48 is adjusted to ensure that such downward movement of arms 36 occurs at a predetermined slow rate to provide a similarly slow progressive increase in the length of belt 33 in contact with the new web roll at splicing position S, thereby determining the rate at which the new web roll is accelerated up to the speed of web W being unwound from the expiring web roll.

When solenoid valve 49 is energized and solenoid valve 56 is deenergized, for example, after the new web roll Ib has been accelerated up to the speed of the web being unwound from the expiring roll Ia and the leading edge of the new Web roll is to be spliced to the expiring web, as hereinafter described, the left-hand end of each cylinder 46 receives fluid under high pressure through conduit 47 from conduit 52, and the right-hand end of each cylinder 46 is vented to atmosphere through conduits 48 and 55 and the port 60 of valve 56. The effect of the foregoing is to very substantially increase the contact pressure of belt 33 against the surface of web roll Ib at the moment when the new web is spliced to the expiring web, thereby to ensure the continued non-slip engagement of belt 33 with roll Ib for accurately controlling the rotational speed of the latter.

The rollstand is further shown to include a splicing assembly 61 movable toward and away from the illustrated operative position at which assembly 61 can act on web W extending from expiring roll Ia from the side thereof facing away from new web roll Ib at splicing position S. When the new Web roll at splicing position S has been accelerated by device 32 so as to have its peripheral speed substantially match the speed of movement of web W being unwound from the expiring web roll and the new Web roll is in a predetermined angular or rotational position about its axis, splicing assembly 61 is actuated, as hereinafter described, to press the expiring web run against adhesive on the periphery of the new web roll and thereby join or splice the web of the new roll to the web from the expiring roll. Immediately after such splicing of the new roll to the expiring web run, splicing assembly 61 is further actuated to sever the expiring web run in back of the splice, that is, at a location between the splice and the expiring roll Ia.

The splicing assembly 61 for performing the foregoing operations may include a pair of support arms 62 depending from a shaft 63 which is journaled in side frame members A and B. As shown on FIG. 2, arms 62 are laterally located at opposite sides of main drive belt 24 so that the lower end portions of the arms can swing toward and away from the expiring web run in response to turning of shaft 63. The lower end portion of each arm 62 carries a lateral shaft 64 having a bell crank 65 pivoted on its middle portion. A shaft 66 is journaled in the bell cranks 65 of both arms 62 and carries pressure or pasting rollers 67. Both bell cranks 65 may be urged, as by springs (not shown), to rock in the direction moving rollers 67 against the expiring web run for pressing the latter against the periphery of the new web roll. Bell cranks 65 are held against such rocking movement by latches (not shown) adapted to be released in response to the upward movement of cables 68 depending from arms 69 secured on a shaft 70 which is journaled in the upper portions of arms 62. Turning of shaft 70 for effecting the latch releasing movement of cables 68 may be effected by a fluid pressure operated cylinder 71 carried by one of the arms 62 and having its piston rod connected pivotally to an arm 72 extending from shaft 70. Fluid under pressure may be supplied to cylinder 71 by way of a conduit 73 extending from fluid pressure supply line P and having a solenoid valve 74 interposed therein. Thus, after splicing assembly 61 has been moved to its illustrated operative position, solenoid valve 74 is energized, as hereinafter described, to permit fluid pressure to act in cylinder 71 and thereby release the latches associated with bell cranks 65, whereupon rollers 67 act against the expiring web run to press the latter against adhesive previously applied to the periphery of the new web roll.

The illustrated splicing assembly 61 further includes a knife or blade 75 carried by a bracket 76 which pivotally depends from the ends of shaft 64 of each support arm 62 (FIG. 2). Each bracket 76 may be urged, as by a spring (not shown), to rock in the direction for moving its knife 75 against the expiring web run when the splicing assembly is in its operative position, and each knife is held against such movement by an associated latch (not shown) which is released in response to upward movement of a cable 77. Each cable 77 is connected, at its upper end, to an arm 78 extending from a shaft 79 which is journaled in the upper portions of arms 62. Turning of shaft 79 for effecting the latch releasing movements of cables 77 is effected by a fluid pressure operated cylinder 80 mounted on one of support arms 62 and having its piston rod pivotally connected to an actuating arm 81 extending from shaft 79. Fluid under pressure may be supplied to cylinder 80 for releasing the latches associated with knives 75, and thereby permitting actuation of the latter, upon energization of a solenoid valve 82 which is interposed in a conduit 83 extending from fluid pressure supply line P to cylinder 80. Thus, When solenoid 82 is energized after energization of solenoid 74, as hereinafter described, knives 75 are actuated to sever the expiring web at a location along the latter between the splice of the new web roll to the expiring web and the expiring web roll.

Rollers 67 and knives 75 may be suitably returned to their latched positions, for example, by cams (not shown) acting on their respective bell cranks 65 and brackets 76, during movement of splicing assembly 61 away from its illustrated operative position.

Movements of splicing assembly 61 toward and away from its operative position, may be effected by an actuating arm 84 depending from shaft 63 adjacent side frame member A and being pivotally connected, near its lower end, to a piston rod 85 extending from a double-acting, fluid-pressure operated cylinder 86 which is pivotally supported by frame member A, as at 87 (FIG. 1). Flexible conduits or hoses 88 and 89 extend to the opposite ends of cylinder 86 from a solenoid controlled valve 90 which is, in turn, connected through a conduit 91 with fluid pressure supply line P. Valve 90 has a vent or exhaust port 92 and, when deenergized, connects such port with conduit 89 while conduit 88 is connected with conduit 91 so as to supply fluid under pressure to the right-hand end of cylinder 86, as viewed on FIG. 1, thereby to retract piston rod 85 for swinging splicing assembly 61 away from its operative position. On the other hand, when solenoid control valve 90 is energized, as hereinafter described, conduit 88 is communicated with discharge port 92 and conduit 89 is communicated with conduit 91 to supply fluid under pressure to the left-hand end of cylinder 86 and thereby extend piston rod 85 for swinging splicing assembly 61 to its operative position at which rollers 67 and knives 75 are operable on the adjacent expiring web run.

The rotation of the expiring web roll Ia is preferably braked simultaneously with the actuation or tripping of knives 75 of splicing assembly 61 so as to avoid unwinding of the web material from roll Ia after the expiring web run has been severed. In order to elfect such braking of the expired web roll, apparatus is shown to have a brake assembly provided at each end of spider or reel arm 13a. Each brake assembly includes a drum 93 for rotation with the web roll supported by the related end of arm 13:: and an adjacent brake shoe 94 pivotally supported on the reel arm for movement toward and away from the surface of brake drum 93. When an end of reel arm 13a is disposed to position the expiring web roll Ia supported thereby at expiring position E, a roller 95 which is connected with the related shoe 94 by an arm 96 rides onto an actuating lever 97 which is pivotally mounted on the adjacent side frame member A. The actuating lever 97 is pivotally connected to the piston 'rod of a fluid-pressure operated cylinder 98 having c-onduits 99 and 100 extending from its opposite ends to a solenoid controlled valve 101 having an exhaust port or vent 102 and a connection to fluid-pressure supply line P by way of a conduit 103. When solenoid control valve 101 is deenergized, fluid under pressure is supplied to the upper end of cylinder 98 by way of conduit 100 so as to lower lever 97 and thereby permit release brake shoe 94 from brake drum 93, for example, by a spring (not shown) acting on the brake shoe. When valve 101 is energized, as hereinafter described, fluid under pressure is supplied to the lower end of cylinder 98 through conduit 99, thereby to raise actuating lever 97, which acts on roller 95 of the brake assembly carried by the end of reel arm 13a then at the expiring position E, so as to engage such brake assembly for halting rotation of the expiring web roll Ia upon severing of the web extending therefrom.

The rollstand 10, as described above, merely represents a typical splicing rollstand that may have its operations controlled in accordance with this invention, and it will be understood that its various components, which are not parts of the invention as such, and which maybe replaced by other similarly operating components, have been only briefly described and schematically illustrated to provide the necessary basis for the following description of the control system embodying the invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 3A and 3B, it will be seen that a control system in accordance with this invention, as there illustrated, automatically initiates displacement of reel arms 13:: and 13b for moving a new web roll to splicing position by energizing of motor 16 when the web roll Ia, at normal running position R, has been reduced to a predetermined diameter by the unwinding of the web therefrom. A suitable arrangement for initiating the operation of motor 16 in the manner indicated above may include a photoelectric sensing device 104 which is fixedly mounted, as shown schematically on FIG. 1, to direct a light beam 105 downwardly toward a fixed reflector 106. The light beam 105 is initially intercepted by the web roll Ia at normal running position R. However, when the web roll Ia at running position R has been reduced to the predetermined diameter, as indicated on FIGS. 1 and 3A, light beam 105 passes the periphery of roll Ia and is reflected from reflector 106 so as to impinge on a photocell in sensing device 104.

As shown diagrammatically on FIG. 3A, the photoelectric sensing device 104 is connected to a control panel 107 by way of leads 108, and control panel 107 is operative to close or permit current flow through a circuit therein between leads 109 and 110 when the photocell of sens- '8 ing device 104 receives light reflected from reflector 106. Lead 109 is connected to a' current supply line L and lead is connected through a normally closed contact 111a of a time delay relay 111 and a lead 112 to one side of a normally open hold contact 113b of a relay 113. The other side of hold contact 113b is connected by a lead 114 to the coil of relay 113 which is, in turn, connected to the other current supply line L by way of a lead 115. A lead 116 extending from lead 110 is connected to a normally open, cam-actuated switch 117, and a lead 118 extends from switch 117 to a junction with lead 114 at 119. Switch 117 is actuated to closed position by one or the other of two diametrically opposed cams 120' (FIGS. 2 and 3A) which may be mounted on the hub of gear 14 for turning with reel arms 13a and 13b. The cams 120 are disposed relative to the reel arms so as to cause closing of switch 117 only when a web roll is disposed at normal running position R. Thus, when control panel 107 closes the circuit betwen leads 109 and 110 with a web roll at running position R, or when a normally open switch 321 interposed in a line 322 by-passing control panel 107 is manually actuated, relay 113 is initially energized through line 116, closed switch 117, and lines 118, 114 and 115. Energizing of relay 113 closes its hold contact 113b so that, when arms 13a and 13b are turned to release switch 117, relay 113 remains energized through normally closed contact 111a of relay 111, lead 112, contact 113b and leads 114 and 115. a

Energizing of relay 113 further closes a normally open contact 113a thereof which is interposed between a lead 121 extending from line L and a lead 122 which extends to one side of a normally closed contact 1110 of relay 111. The other side of contact 1110 is connected by a lead 123 to a motor starter 124 which is connected to motor 16 by conductors 125, and the energizing circuit for motor starter 124 is completed by a lea-d 126 extending therefrom to supply line L Accordingly, energizing of relay 113 closes the circuit for energizing motor 16 through contact 113a of relay 113 and contact 1110 of relay 111, and motor 16 is thereby operated to cause displacement of arms 13a and 13b for moving a new web roll toward splicing position.

The control system for rollstand 10 further includes a sensing device 127 for detecting the approach of the periphery of the new web and roll Ib to splicing position. The sensing device 127 is also of the photoelectric type and is mounted, for example, on a suitably supported bracket 128 (FIG. 2) at one side of the path traveled by each new web roll upon displacement of arms 13a and 13b for moving the new web roll to splicing position. As shown schematically on FIG. 3A, sensing device 127 is connected by leads 129 with a control panel 130 from which a lead 131 extends to a junction with lead 122. Another lead 132 extends from control panel 130 to one side of a normally closed contact 111b of relay 111, and the other side of contact 111b is connected through a lead 133, the coil of a relay 134 and a lead 135 to supply line L Relay 134 has a normally open contact 134a interposed between a lead 136 extending from supply line L and a lead 137 which is connected through time delay relay 111 and a lead 138 with supply line L The sensing device 127 includes a light source directing a light beam 139 (FIG. 2) laterally therefrom toward a reflector 140 positioned at the opposite side of the path traveled by a new web roll in moving toward splicing position, and a photocell for receiving light reflected from reflector 140. So long as light beam 139 is not intercepted by a new web roll moving toward splicing position, control panel 130 responds to the reception of light by the photocell of sensing device 127 to open or block an internal circuit between leads 131 and 132. However, when light beam 139 is intercepted by the periphery of a new web roll approaching splicing position, the internal circuit of panel 130 is closed between leads 131 and 132, thereby to complete the circuit for energizing relay 134 through lead 121, closed contact 113a of energized relay 113, leads 122 and 131, panel 130, lead 132, closed contact 1111: of relay 111 and lead 133 to relay 134, and through lead 135 extending from relay 134. Energizing of relay 134 closes its contact 134a to energize time delay relay 111 by way of lead 136, closed contact 134a, lead 137 and lead 138. After expiration of a predetermined time delay, which may be adjusted, energized relay 111 is actuated or tripped to open its normally closed contacts 111a, 111b and 1110 with the following results:

The opening of contact 111a interrupts the hold circuit for energizing relay 113 so that its contact 113a is opened and interrupts the energization of control panel 130 for rendering sensing device 127 inoperative. Deenergizing of relay 113 also opens its contact 113b, so that the continuing signalling by sensing device 104 of the absence of a web roll at the running position R cannot effect reenergization of relay 113. In fact, sensing device 104 becomes operative to again eflect energizing of relay 113 only when arms 13a and 13b are subsequently turned again, as hereinafter described, to move the new web roll from splicing position S to running position R, at which time switch 117 is again closed by one of cams 120.

The opening of contact 1111) causes deenergization of relay 134 to open its contact 134a and thereby interrupt the circuit for energization of relay 111.

The opening of contact 111a interrupts the circuit to motor starter 124 so that motor 16 is thereby deenergized to halt spider or reel arms 13a and 13b with the new web roll at splicing position at the moment when relay 111 is tripped or actuated.

Branching from lead 110 is a lead 141 extending to one side of a normally closed contact 142b of a relay 142 (FIG. 3B), and the other side of contact 142b is connected by a lead 143 to a relay 144, which is, in turn, connected by a lead 145 to supply line L (FIG. 3A). A lead 146 branches from lead 143 and connects to a relay 147 which is, in turn, connected by a lead 148 to supply line L Thus, when sensing device 104 detects that the expiring web roll Ia at normal running position R has been reduced to a predetermined diameter and causes control panel 107 to complete the internal circuit between leads 109 and 110 which initiates operation of motor 16 for moving a new web roll to splicing position, a circuit is simultaneously completed from lead 110 through lead 141, relay contact 142b, lead 143 and lead 145 for energizing relay 144, and further through leads 146 and 148 for energizing relay 147.

A variable time delay or metering relay 149 having an R-C impedance network, for example, of the type available commercially from Struthers-Dunn Inc., Pitman, N.J., under the designation type 235 AAXP, is connected by a lead 150 to line L and by a lead 151 to a movable contact 144a of relay 144. Relay 144 further has expiring roll Ia between the initiation of energization of relay 149 and the moment when the latter is tripped or actuated to close its normally open contact 149a. In order to thus vary the tripping time of relay 149, the illustrated rollstand control system includes a tachometer generator 156 of a type that is commercially available, for example, from the General Electric Company, East Orange, N.J., as Item No. SEC-46 AB 1528. The generator 156 may be mounted on side frame member B, as shown on FIG. 1, and driven from cross-shaft 21 by way of a belt and pulley transmission 157 so as to generate a control voltage which is proportional to the web speed. Generator 156 is energized by way of leads 158 and 159 extending to lines L and L respectively.

A circuit for impressing the control voltage generated by generator 156 on relay 149 to correspondingly vary the tripping time thereof includes a lead 160 extending from the output terminal of generator 156 to one fixed contact 153a of relay 153 which is normally engaged by movable contact 153b. A lead 161 extends from contact 153b to a fixed contact 147a which is normally disengaged from a movable contact 147a of relay 147, and a lead 162 extends from contact 147a to relay 149. Thus, when rel-ay 147 is energized, as described above, the variable output or control voltage from generator 156 is impressed on metering relay 149 by way of lead 160, errgaged contacts 153a and 1531b of relay 153, lead 161, engaged contacts 147a and 147a of energized relay 147, and lead 162.

In the event that the web speed is below a predetermined low value, in which case a correspondingly small control voltage is generated by generator 156 to achieve a long tripping or actuating time of relay 149, the respouse of relay 149 to such a small control voltage tends to be inaccurate. Time delay relay 153 has a contact 1530 engaged by contact 1531) upon actuation of relay 153, and connected to relay 149 by a lead 163. Thus, upon the actuation of relay 153, relay 149 is tripped or actuated through the circuit including lead 162, contacts 147a and 147a, lead 161, contacts 153b and 1530, and lead 163, so that the actuating time of relay 153 constitutes a maximum limit for the actuating time of relay 149. The actuating time of relay 153 is preferably preset to correspond to the actuating time of relay 149 resulting from the smallest control voltage of generator 156 to which relay 149 is accurately responsive.

Although the actuating time of relay 149 is varied in inverse relation to variations of web speed, which may range betwen speeds of 25 to 2000 feet per minute, re-

a fixed contact 14417 that is normally engaged by contact 144a, and a fixed contact 1440' that is engaged by contact 14411 when relay 144 is energized. A lead 152 extends from contact 1440 to line L so that the energization of relay 144 in response to the reduction of the expiring roll to a predetermined diameter results in energizing of variable time delay relay 149.

A time delay relay 153, which may be of the same type as relay 149, but which has an adjustably predetermined tripping or actuating time, is energized simultaneously with relay 149 by Way of leads 154 and 155 extending from relay 153 to junctions with leads 150 and 151, respectively. The function of time delay relay 153 is to establish a maximum limit for the tripping or actu-' ating time of metering relay 149.

The tripping or actuating time of metering relay 149, that is, the length of the period of energization thereof required to trip or actuate the relay, is varied in inverse relation to variations of the speed at which the web is being unwound from expiring web roll Ia so that, irrespective of the web speed, a predetermined length of the web, for example, 800 feet of web, is unwound from lay 149 is preset so that its shortest actuating time, which results from the maximum web speed in the foregoing range, is longer than the time required for the movement of new web roll Ib from loading position L to splicing position S. Thus, in all cases, the new web roll arrives at splicing position before actuation of relay 149, and variation of the actuating time of relay 149 causes a varying period to elapse between the arrival of the new web roll at splicing position and the actuation of relay 149.

Relay 147 further has a movable contact 147b which normally engages a fixed contact 147b" and is moved into engagement with a fixed contact 1471: upon energizing of relay 147. A lead 164 extends from contact 14712 to solenoid controlled valve 56, and a lead 165 extends from the latter to line L A lead 166 extends from movable contact 147b of relay 147 (FIG. 3A) to a normally open contact 16712 of a relay 167 (FIG. 3B), and a lead 168 extends from contact 16712 to line L The circuit for energizing relay 167 includes a lead 169 extending from line L to the normally open contact 149a of metering relay 149, a lead 170 extending from contact 149a to a cam-actuated switch 171 (FIG. 3A) which is normally closed to connect lead 170 to a lead 172 extending to relay 167 (FIG. 3B), and a lead 173 extending from relay 167 to line L Switch 171 is mounted (FIG. 2) so as to be actuated by one or the other of 11 cams 120, thereby to interrupt the connection between leads 170 and 172, only when arms 13a and 13b are disposed to position a web roll at the normal running position;

It will be apparent that relay 167 is energized to close its contact 16717 and thereby complete the energizing circuit for solenoid controlled valve 56 only when metering relay 149 is actuated to close its contact 149a. Thus, movement of accelerating device 32 to its operative position is initiated after new web roll Ib has arrived at splicing position S, and a predetermined length of web material, for example, 800 feet, is unwound from expiring roll Ia between the initiation of movement of the new web roll to splicing position and the initiation of movement of accelerating device 32 to its operating position for effecting rotation of the new web roll about its axis. As previously described, the energization of solenoid controlled valve 56 causes device 32 to be urged against the new web roll with a moderate force which is adequate to ensure non-slip contact of belt 33 with the .periphery of the new roll.

Relay 167 further has a normally open contact 16711 interposed between a lead 174 connected to line L by way of lead 168, and a lead 175 which is connected through a normally closed contact 176a of a time delay relay 176 to a lead 177. Lead 177 extends to a relay 178 which is, in turn, connected to line L by a lead 179 so that energizing'of relay 167 causes energizing of relay 178 for closing the normally open contact 178a of the latter. Contact 178a is interposed between a lead 180 extending from line L and .a lead 181 extending to solenoid controlled valve 90 which is connected to line L by a lead 182 (FIG. 3B).

Thus, the actuation or tripping of relay 149 also results in energization of valve 90 for moving splicing assembly 61 to its operative position adjacent the expiring web run, as described above.

A relay 183 (FIG. 3B) is energized simultaneously with relay 178 by way of a lead 284 having a junction with lead 177 and a lead 285 extending to line L Relay 183 has a movable contact 183a normally engaging a fixed contact 183a and being moved into engagement with a fixed contact 183a" upon energization of relay 183.

A metering or variable time delay relay 184 and a time delay relay 187 (FIG. 3A), which are respectively similar to time delay relays 149 and 154, are connected to line L by leads 186 and 185. A lead 188 extending from relay 184 has a junction with a lead 189 extending from relay 187 and is connected to a movable contact 1831: of relay 183 (FIG. 3B). Contact 183a normally engages a fixed contact 1830 and is moved to engage a fixed contact 1830" upon energization of relay 183. A lead 190 extends from contact 1830" to line L so that relays 184 and 187 are energized in response to actuation of metering relay 149.

Metering relay 184 also has a varitable actuating or tripping time which is varied in inverse relation to variations of the web speed so that, during such actuating time, a predetermined further length of the web, for example, 800 feet, is unwound from expiring web roll Ia irrespective of the web speed. Such variation of the actuating time of metering relay 184 is also achieved by impressing the output voltage of tachometer generator 156 on its R-C impedance network by way of a circuit that includes a lead 191 extending from a junction with lead 160 to a fixed contact 187a of time delay relay 187 that is normally engaged by the movable contact 187a thereof, a lead 192 extending from movable contact 187a (FIG. 3A) to contact 183a" of relay 183 (FIG.

3A), and a lead 193 extending from contact 183a, which engages contact 183a" when relay 183 is energized, to relay 184.

Time delay relay 187 acts to limit the maximum actuating time of relay 184 and has a preset time delay or actuating time equal to the actuating time of relay 184 corresponding to the minimum web speed, and hence minimum control voltage from generator 156, to which relay 184 can accurately respond. In order to limit the maximum actuating time of relay 184, relay 187 has a contact 187a engaged by contact 187a upon actuation of relay 187 and connected by a lead 194 to relay 184. Thus, upon actuation of relay 187, relay 184 is immediately actuated through the circuit made up of lead 194, contacts 187a and 187a", lead 192, contacts 183a and 183a" and lead 193.

In all cases, that is, even when the actuating time of relay 184 is a minimum in response to a high web speed, such actuating time is of .suflicient duration to permit accelerating device 32 to bring new web roll Ib at splicing position S to a peripheral speed equal to the speed of movement of the adjacent expiring web run.

When relay 184 is actuated to close its normally open contact 184a (FIG. 3A), a circuit is closed for energizing a relay 195 (FIG. 3B). The circuit for energizing relay 195 includes a lead 196 extending from line L contact 184a, a lead 197 extending to a normally open contact 183b of relay 183 which is closed by energizing of the latter, a lead 198 extending from contact 183b to relay 195, and a lead199 extending to line L Relay 195 has a normally open hold contact 195a which is closed upon energization of relay 195, as described above, and which is interposed between a lead 200 extending from line L and a lead 201 extending to ajunction with lead 197 so as to maintain energization of relay 195 so long as relay 183 remains energized to close its contact 183b.

Relay 195 has a normally open contact 1950 interposed between a lead 202 extending from line L and a lead 203 extending to the anode circuit of control panel for sensing device 127 (FIG. 33). Although control panel 130, sensing device 127 and the new web roll Ib are shown separately on each of FIGS. 3A and 3B for ease and clarity of illustration, it is to be understood that only one sensing device 127 and only one control panel 130 are provided. Upon energization of relay in response to' actuation of metering relay 184, the closing of contact 1950 causes reenergization of panel 130 and of the associated sensing device 127.

Since time delay relay 111 (FIG. 3A) is tripped or actuated to stop motor 16 at a predetermined or adjustably fixed time after sensing device 127 detects the approach of the new web roll to splicing position, it is apparent that the new web roll will move a predetermined distance beyond the position at which its periphery is detected by sensing device 111 before coming to rest at splicing position S. Thus, when the new web roll Ib is at splicing position S and sensing device 127 is reenergized in response to energizing of relay 195, sensing device 127 directs its light 'beam against an end surface of the new web roll at a location spaced radially inward from the periphery of the roll, as indicated on FIG. 3B. Each new web roll has a reflective mark M applied to the end surface thereof facing toward sensing device 127. Mark M is spaced radially inward from the periphery of roll Ib, as shown, so that, when the new web roll is rotated at splicing position by device 32, the circular path traveled by mark M is at the same distance from the periphery of the roll as the light beam directed from reenergized sensing device 127. Mark M is further applied to the new web roll at a predetermined angular position relative to the leading edge of the web of the new roll.

After actuation of metering relay 184 to cause reenergizing of sensing device 127, the subsequent passage of the leading edge of reflective mark M through the area scanned by the photoelectric cell of device 127 causes panel 130 to close a circuit therein for energizing a slave relay 204 by way of a lead 205 extending from panel 130 to relay 204 and a lead 206 extending from relay 204 to line L Relay 204 has a movable contact 204a normally engaging a fixed contact 204a and being moved, upon energizing of relay 204, to engage a fixed contact 204a". Relay 204 further has a normally Open contact which is closed upon energizing of the relay. Contact 20417 is interposed between a lead 207 extending from line L and a lead 208 extending to one side of a normally open contact 195:5 of relay 195. Contact 195b is closed upon energization of relay 195 to connect lead 208 with a lead 209 extending to a relay 210 and the latter is connected to line L by way of a lead 211. Thus, relay 210 is energized in response to energizing of slave relay 204.

Relay 210 has a hold contact 210a which is closed upon energizing of the relay to connect a lead 212 extending from line L with a lead 213 extending to a junction with lead 208, where-by to maintain energization of relay 210 so long as relay 195 is energized to close its contact 19512. Relay 210 further has a normally open contact 21% which is closed upon energization of the relay. Contact 210b is interposed between a lead 214 extending to contact 204a of relay 204 and a lead 215 extending to relay 142 which is, in turn, connected to line L by a lead 216. Contact 204a, which is engaged by contact 204:: when relay 204 is deenergized, is connected to line L by a lead 217.

Approximately 40 to 60 milliseconds after reflective mark M has passed the area scanned by the photocell of sensing device 127 during the first revolution of the new web roll following reenergization of panel 130 and device 127, control panel 130 interrupts the circuit for energizing relay 204 so that contact 204a engages contact 204a and thereby closes the described circuit for energizing relay 142. Relay 142 has a normally open contact 142a interposed between a lead 218 extending from line L and a lead 219 extending to solenoid controlled valve 74 which is connected to line L by a lead 220. Thus, ener- 'gizing of relay 142 following the detection of mark M by sensing device 127 during the first revolution of the new web roll after reenergizing of device 127, closes contact 142a and thereby causes energizing of solenoid control valve 74 for tripping or actuating the splicing rollers 67 so that the latter then act to press the expiring web run against adhesive on the periphery of the new web roll, as described above.

Energizing of relay 142 also opens its normally closed contact 14212, and thereby interrupts the connection between leads 141 and 143 for deenergizing relays 144 and 147 (FIG. 3A). Deenergizing of relay 144 moves its contact 144a away from contact 1440, thereby to deenergize metering relay 149 and time delay relay 153, and into engagement with contact 1441) which is connected by a lead 221 to relay 153 for discharging the RC network of that relay. Similarly, deenergizing of relay 147 moves its contact 1471: away from contact 147a, thereby to disconnect relay 149 from the output of tachometer generator 156, and into engagement with contact 147a" which is connected by a lead 222 to a junction with lead 151 for discharging the RC network of metering relay 149.

Deenergizing of relay 147 further moves its contact 147b away from contact 147b', thereby to deenergize solenoid controlled valve 56, and into engagement with contact 147b" which is connected by a lead 223 with solenoid controlled valve 49 having a lead 224 extending therefrom to line L thereby to energize valve 49. As previously described, the energizing of solenoid controlled valve 49 and the deenergizing of valve 56 causes belt 33 of accelerating device 32 to be pressed into contact with the periphery of new web roll Ib by an increased force so as to ensure non-slip engagement of belt 33 with the periphery of the new web roll during subsequent operations. As shown particularly on FIG. 3B, relay 167 has a hold contact 167a interposed between a lead 225 extending from lead 168 and a lead 226 extending to a junction with lead 170 (FIG. 3A) at a location between cam-actuated switch 171 and contact 1490 of metering relay 149. Thus, after metering relay 149 is deenergized to open its contact 149a,

as described above, hold contact 1670 maintains energization of relay 167 to prevent opening of its contact 1671) included in the energizing circuit for solenoid controlled valve 49 until reel arms 13a and 13b are again turned, as hereinafter described, to move the new web roll to running position R and to open switch 171 by the action of one of the cams thereon.

A relay 227 (FIG. 3B) is energized simultaneously with relay 142 by way of a lead 228 having a junction with lead 215 and a lead 229 extending to line L It will be seen that relay 142 has a normally open hold contact 142a interposed between a lead 230 extending from line L and :a lead 231 extending to a junction with lead 214. Thus, after relays 142 and 227 are energized in response to deenergizing of relay 204 following its first energization, relays 142 and 227 are respectively held in energized condition by way of lead 230, closed contact 1420, leads 231 and 214, closed contact 210b, and leads 215 and 216, and by way of leads 228 and 229, so long as relay 210 remains energized.

During the second revolution of the new web roll at splicing position after actuation of metering relay 184, the passage of reflective mark M through the area scanned by the photoelectric cell of sensing device 127 again causes energizing of slave relay 204 to engage its contact 204a with contact 204a". Since relay 142 is now energized to close its contact 142c, the engagement of contacts 204a and 204a" completes a circuit for energizing a relay 232. Such circuit for energizing relay 232 includes lead 230, contact 1420, leads 231 and 214, contacts 204a and 204a", a lead 233 extending from contact 204a" to relay 232 and a lead 234 extending from relay 232 to line L Relay 232 has a hold contact 232a which is closed upon energization of the relay and which is interposed between a lead 235 extending from a junction with lead 214 and a lead 236 extending to a junction with lead 233. Thus, after relay 232 is energized in response to the second energization of relay 204, relay 232 remains energized through its hold contact 232a.

Relay 232 further has a normally open contact 23217 interposed between a lead 237 extending from line L and a lead 238 extending to one side of a normally open contact 227b of relay 227. The other side of contact 227b is connected by a lead 239 with solenoid controlled valve 82 which is connected by a lead 240 to line L Thus, when relay 232 is energized, solenoid controlled valve 82 is energized by way of closed contacts 232b and 227b to trip or :actuate knives 75, as described above, and thereby sever the expiring web between the splice thereof to the new web roll and the expiring web roll.

Extending from a junction with lead 233 is a lead 241 connected to one side of a normally open contact 227a of relay 227. A lead 242 extends from the other side of contact 227a through a normally closed contact of camactuated switch 171 to a lead 243 (FIG. 3A) which is connected to a relay 244 (FIG. 3B). Relay 244 is further connected to line L by a lead 245. Relay 244, which is energized simultaneously with relay 232 through the above circuit, has a normally open contact 244d interposed between a lead 246 extending from line L and a lead 247 extending to solenoid controlled valve 101 which is connected, in turn, to line L by a lead 248. Thus, at the same time that valve 82 is energized to actuate the knives 75 for severing the expiring web run, valve 101 is ener-' gized to cause brake shoe 94 to engage the drum 93 associated with the expired roll Ia and thereby apply a heavy braking force for stopping rotation of the expired roll, as described above.

Because of the described holding circuits for relays 142, 227, and 232, solenoid controlled valve 82 remains energized to maintain knives 75 in their web-severing positions for deflecting the free end of the expired web away from the periphery of the new web roll from which the web is then being unwound.

The energization of relay 244 further closes a normally open contact 2441) thereof which is interposed between a lead 249 extending to a junction with lead 245 and a lead 250 extending to time delay relay 176 which is connected to line L by way of a lead 251. Thus, relay 176 is energized and, after an adjusta bly predetermined actuating time, relay 176 times out or is actuated to open its normally closed contact 1760. The time delay provided by relay 176 is sufficient to assure successful completion of the splice and deflection of the severed web away from the new roll. When contact 176a of relay 176 is opened, relays 178 and 183 are deenergized.

Deenergizing of relay 178 opens its contact 178a to deenergize solenoid controlled 'valve 90 so that the splicing assembly 61 is moved by cylinder 86 in the direction away from roll 112 to its inoperative position. Deenergizing of .relay 183 opens its contact 183b and thereby deenergizes relay 195 to open contact 195b of the latter. Opening of contact 195b breaks the hold circuit for relay 210 so that the latter is deenergized to open its contact 21%. Opening of contact 21012 deenergizes relays 142 and 227, and the opening of contact 142s of relay 142 breaks the hold circuit for relay 232 to deenergize the latter.

Opening of contact 142a deenergizes solenoid controlled valve 74 and opening of cont act 227b deenergizes solenoid controlled valve 82 so that, during movement of splicing assembly 61 to its inoperative position the latches associated with rollers 67 and knives 75 can again be engaged to hold the rollers and knives in the latched positions to which they are displaced during movement of assembly 61 to its inoperative position, as described above.

Deenergizing of relay 183 moves its contact 1830 away from contact 183a" into engagement with contact 183s from which a lead 252 extends to time delay relay 187. The disengagement of contact 183a from contact 183a" breaks the circuit for energizing metering relay 184 and time delay relay 187, and the engagement of contact 183a with contact 1830 connects leads 188 and 252 to discharge the' R-C network of relay 187. Deenergizing of relay 183 also moves its contact 183a away from contact 183a and into engagement with contact 183a which is connected to lead 188 by way of a lead 253. Thus, lead 193 is connected to lead 188 to discharge the R-C network of meterin g relay 184.

Time delay relay 176 further has a normally open contact 17612 interposed between a lead 254 extending from line L and a lead 255 extending to a time delay relay 256 (FIG. 3B) which is connected to line L by a lead 257. Thus, relay 256 is energized in response to actuation of time delay relay 176, and relay 256 is preset to provide a sufficient time delay between its energization and actuation to permit the splice to pass through the rollstand and associated printing press or other web processing machine and to ensure that any abnormal web tension variations resulting from the splicing operations are fully compensated for before initiating the rotation of reel arms 13a and 13b for moving the new web roll to running position R.

Time delay relay 256 has a normally open contact 256a which is closed upon actuation of the relay and which is interposed between a lead 258 extending from line L and a lead 259 extending to a junction with lead 123 (FIG. 3A). Thus, upon closing of contact 256a, a circuit is again completed for energizing motor starter 124 and thereby operating motor 16 so as to move new web roll Ib toward normal running position R.

It will be apparent that operation of motor 16 continues only so long as relay 244 remains energized to close its contact 244b through which relay 176 is energized to close contact 17611 interposed in the energizing circuit for relay 256. A hold circuit is provided to maintain the energization of relay 244 after relay 227 is deenergized, as described above, and opens its contact 227a. Such hold circuit for relay 244 includes a lead 260 (FIG. 3B) extending from a junction with lead 242 to 16 one side of a normally open contact 2440 of relay 244, and a lead 261 extending from the other side of contact 2440' to a junction with lead 246. When relay 244 is energized, the hold circuit thereof extends from line L through leads 246 and 261, closed contact 2440, leads 260 and 242, normally closed contacts of switch 171 and lead 243 to relay 244, and from the latter to line L by 9 way of lead 245.

During movement of new web roll Ib to normal running position R, the continued energization of relay 167 through its closed hold contact 167c maintains the circuit for energizing solenoid controlled valve 49 so that accelerating device 32 is moved to follow the movement of roll Ib and to continue driving the latter until the unwinding of roll lb is taken over by the main drive belt 24.

When the new web roll arrives at normal running position R, one of cams actuates switch 171 so as to open the normally closed contacts thereof between leads 170 and 172 and between leads 242 and 243. Opening of the contacts of switch 171 between leads 170 and 172 interrupts the holding circuit for relay 167 so that relay 167 is deenergized, and opening of the contacts of switch 171 between leads 242 and 243 interrupts the holding circuit for relay 244 which is also thereby deenergized. Deenergizing of relay 244 opens its contact 244b to deenergize relay 176 and thereby open contact 1761).

Opening of contact 17617 deenergizes relay 256 to open.

its contact 256a and thereby interrupt the circuit for operating motor 16. Thus, movement of reel arms 13a' and 13b is halted with the new web roll at normal running position R. Deenergizing of relay 244 closes contact 244a of the latter which is interposed between a lead 262 connected to relay 176 and a lead 263 extending to a junction with lead 250 so as to discharge the R-C network of time delay relay 176. Deenergizing of relay 244 further opens its contact 244d to deenergize solenoid controlled valve 101 and thereby return the brake engaging lever 97 to its released position.

Deenergizing of relay 167 opens its contact 167b and thereby breaks the circuit for energizing solenoid controlled valve 49 so that, with both valves 49 and 56 being deenergized, cylinders 46 operate to move accelerating device 32 to its inoperative or raised position, as previously described.

When the movement of reel arms 13a and 13b is halted with the new web roll Ib at normal running position, one of cams 120 actuates switch 117 to close the contacts thereof between leads 116 and 118 (FIG. 3A), and the new web roll then interrupts the light beam '105 from sensing device 104. The expired web roll Ia, which is disposed at loading position L, can be removed from reel arms 13a and 13b and replaced by the next new web roll to be moved to splicing position, as described above, when the roll then at running position R is reduced to the predetermined diameter at which light beam 105 is no longer intercepted. Thus, the cycle of operations of rollstand 10 is completed and the various described components of its control system are returned to their original conditions so as to be prepared for repetition of the operating cycle.

It is to be particularly noted that, in the described system embodying this invention for controlling the splicing operations of a rollstand, the cycle of such operations is initiated by sensing device 104 when the web supply roll from which the web is being unwound is reduced to a predetermined diameter, that is, has a predetermined length of web material remaining thereon. Such initiation of the cycle of operations causes energization of metering relay 149 which has its actuating time varied in inverse relation to variations of the web speed so that, irrespective of the web speed, a predetermined length of web material is unwound from the expiring web roll between the initiation of the cycle of splicing operations and the actuation of relay 149. The actuation of relay 149 causes energization of metering relay 184 which also has its actuating time varied in inverse relation to variations of the web speed so that, irrespective of the web speed, a predetermined further length of web material is unwound from the expiring web roll between the actuation of metering relay 149 and the actuation of metering relay 184. Thus, at the moment of actuation of relay 184, the amount of web material remaining on the expiring roll is fixed, irrespective of the web speed, and is equal to the difference between the predetermined amount of web material on the expiring roll at the initiation of the cycle of splicing operations, and the sum of the predetermined amounts of web material unwound from the expiring roll during the successive actuating times of relays 149 and 184. Since the actuation of relay 184 results in the successive actuation or tripping of splicing rollers 67 or the like for splicing the expiring web to the new web roll and of knives 75 for severing the expiring web between the splice and the expired web roll, it will be apparent that a uniform amount of Web material remains on the core of the expired roll upon its removal from the rollstand irrespective of the speed of delivery of web material during the splicing operations. Such uniform amount of web material remaining on the core of the expired roll may be reduced to a minimum so as to avoid waste of the web material, merely by suitably adjusting metering relays 149 and 184 so that the sum of the lengths of web material unwound from the expiring roll during their respective actuating times is only a predetermined small amount less than the length of web material on the expiring roll when the cycle of splicing operations is initiated by sensing device 104.

Although an embodiment of this invention has been described in detailed herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to that particular embodiment, and that various changes and modifications may be effected therein by one skilled in the art without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What is claimed is: e

1. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations in the course of which means operable to splice a web run being unwound from a first web roll to the periphery of a new web roll are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then, with the new roll rotating at the speed of said run, are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means include means for initiating said sequence of operations at a moment when the unwinding first roll has substantially a predetermined length of web remaining thereon,

means actuatable after said moment to operate said splicing means, and

means operated in accordance with the speed of travel of the web unwinding from said first roll for actuating the last-recited means at an interval after said moment varying in inverse relation to said speed, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said first roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

2. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations in the course of which means operable to splice a web run being unwound from a first web roll to the periphery of a new web roll are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then, with the new roll rotating at the speed of said run, are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means include means for initiating said sequence of operations at a moment when the unwinding first roll has substantially a predetermined length of web remaining thereon,

18 means actuatable after said moment to operate said splicing means,

time delay means energized upon initiation of said sequence of operations and elfective to actuate the last-recited means after a variable period of energization of the time delay means, and

means operated in accordance with the speed of travel of the web unwinding from said first roll for varying said period of energization of the time delay means in inverse relation to said speed, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said first roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

3. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations in the course of which means operable to splice a web run being unwound from a first web roll to the periphery of a new web roll are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then, with the new roll rotating at the speed of said run, are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means include means for initiating said sequence of operations at a moment when the unwinding first roll has substantially a predetermined length of web remaining thereon,

means actuatable after said moment to operate said splicing means,

time delay relay means energized upon initiation of said sequence of operations and being operable to actuate the last-recited means after a variable period of energization of the time delay relay means, generator means driven in synchronism with the unwinding of the web from said first roll to generate a control voltage that varies with the speed of travel of said Web; and

, means impressing said control voltage on said time delay relay means for varying said period of energization thereof in inverse relation to said control voltage, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said first roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

4. A web splicing rollstand according to claim 3; wherein said control means further includes means to operate said time delay relay means irrespective of the control voltage impressed thereon after a predetermined period of energization of said time delay means which corresponds to the minimum control voltage from said generator means to which said time delay relay means is accurately responsive.

5. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for ettecting a sequence of operations initially causing movement of a roll support for disposing a new web roll at splicing position adjacent a web run being unwound from an expiring web roll, and, in thecourse of which operations, means for rotationally accelerating the new roll to the speed of said run are engaged with the new roll at splicing position, and means operable to splice said web run to the periphery of the new roll being rotated at splicing position are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means includes means for initiating said sequence of operations, and thereby commencing said movement of the roll support, at a moment when the expiring roll has substantially apredetermined length of web remaining thereon, actuating means operable after said movement of the roll support to engage said accelerating means with the new roll and to bring said splicing means to said working position, second actuating means operable after operation of the first-mentioned actuating means to operate said splicing means, and

' means operated in accordance with the speed of travel of the web unwinding from said expiring roll for operating said first-mentioned actuating means and said second actuating means in succession at a first interval after said moment varying in inverse relation to said speed and at asecond interval after said first interval also varying in inverse relation to said speed, respectively, whereby a desired minimal length will remain on the expiring roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

6. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations initially causing movement of a roll support for disposing a new web roll at splicing position adjacent a web run being unwound from an expiring web roll, and, in the course of which operations, means for rotationally accelerating the new roll to the speed of said run are engaged with the new roll at splicing position, and means operable to splice said web run to the periphery of the new roll being rotated at splicing position are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means includes means for initiating said sequence of operations, and thereby commencing said movement of the roll support, at a moment when the expiring roll has substantially a predetermined length of web remaining thereon, actuating means operable after said movement of the roll support to engage said accelerating means with v the new roll and to bring said splicing means to said working position,

second actuating means operable after operation of the first-mentioned actuating means to operate said splicing means, first time delay means energized upon initiation of said sequence of operations and efiective to cause operation of the first-mentioned actuating means after a variable period of energization of the first time delay means, second time delay means energized at the conclusion of said period of energization of the first time delay means and being efiective to cause operation of said second actuating means after a variable period of energization of said second time delay means, and

means operated in accordance with the speed of travel of the web unwinding from said expiring roll for varying said periods of energization of the first and second time delay means in inverse relation to said speed, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said expiring roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

7. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations initially causing movement of a roll support for disposing a new web roll at splicing position adjacent a web run being unwound from an expiring web roll, and, in the course of which operations, means for rotationally accelerating the new roll to the speed of said run are engaged with the new roll at splicing position, and means operable to splice said web run to the periphery of the new roll being rotated at splicing position are brought into working position relative-to said run and said new roll and then are operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means includes means for initiating said sequence of operations, and thereby commencing said movement of the roll support, at a moment when the expiring roll has substantially a predetermined lengthtof web remaining thereon, actuating means operable after said movement of the 'roll support to engagesaid accelerating means with the new roll and to bring said splicing means to said working position, second actuating means operable after operation of the first-mentioned actuating means to operate said splicing means,

first time delay relay means energized upon initiation of said sequence of operations and being actuatable to cause operation of the first-mentioned actuating means after a variable period of energization of the first time delay relay means,

second time delay relay means energized in response to actuation of said first time delay relay means and being, in turn, actuatable to cause operation of said second actuating means after a variable period of energization of said second time delay relay means,

generator means driven in synchronism with the unwinding of the web form from said expiring roll to generate a control voltage that varies with the speed of travel of said web, and

means for impressing said control voltage on said first and second time delay relay means during energization thereof for varying said periods of energization of the time delay relay means in inverse relation to said control voltage, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said expiring roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

8. A web splicing rollstand according to claim 7; wherein said control means further includes means to actuate each of said first and second time delay relay means irrespective of the control voltage impressed thereon after a predetermined period of energization of each time delay relay means which corresponds to the minimum control voltage from said generator means to which the time delay relay means are accurately responsive.

9. A web splicing rollstand for delivering a web continuously from one web supply roll after another, including control means for effecting a sequence of operations in the course of which roll support means are initially displaced for moving a new web roll to splicing position adjacent a web run being unwound from an expiring web roll, means for rotationally accelerating the new roll to the speed of said run are engaged with the new roll at splicing position, and means operable to splice said web run to the periphery of the new roll being rotated at splicing position are brought into working position relative to said run and said new roll and then operated to form a splice,

wherein said control means includes means initiating said sequence of operations, and thereby commencing said displacement of the roll support means, at a moment when the expiring roll has substantially a predetermined length of web remaining thereon,

sensing means energized at said moment to detect the approach of the periphery of said new roll to splicing position,

means operative a predetermined time interval after detection of the periphery of said new roll by said sensing means to halt said displacement of the roll support means with said new roll at splicing position and to deenergize said sensing means with the latter disposed for detecting a predetermined angular position of the new roll,

actuating means operable after movement of the new roll to splicing position to engage said accelerating means therewith and to bring said splicing means to said working position,

first time delay means energized upon initiation of said sequence of operations and being actuated to cause operation of' said actuating means after a variable period of energization of said first time delay means,

second time delay means energized in response to actuation of said first time delay means and being actuated, in turn, after a variable period of energization of said second time delay means,

means to reenergize said sensing means in response to actuation of said second time delay means,

means for operating said splicing means in response to detection of said predetermined angular position of the new roll by said reenergized sensing means, and

means operated in accordance with the speed of travel of the web unwinding from said expiring roll for varying said periods of energization of the first and second time delay means in inverse relation to said speed, whereby a desired minimal length of web will remain on said expiring roll when the splice is formed, irrespective of the web speed.

10. A web splicing rollstand according to claim 9; wherein said means for varying the periods of energization of the first and second time delay means includes generator means driven in synchronism with the unwinding of the web from the expiring roll to generate a control voltage that varies with the web speed, and means for impressing said control voltage on said first and second time delay means during energization thereof for varying said periods of energization in inverse relation to said control voltage.

11. A web splicing rollstand according to claim 10; wherein said control means further includes means to actuate each of said first and second time delay means irrespective of the control voltage impressed thereon after a predetermined period of energization of the respective time delay means corresponding to the minimum control voltage to which the time delay means are accurately responsive.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,950,874 8/1960 Bennett 24258 3,100,604 8/1963 Dequtis 24258 FRANK J. COHEN, Primary Examiner.

L. D. CHRISTIAN, Assistant Examiner. 

1. A WEB SPLICING ROLLSTAND FOR DELIVERING A WEB CONTINUOUSLY FROM ONE WEB SUPPLY ROLL AFTER ANOTHER, INCLUDING CONTROL MEANS FOR EFFECTING A SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS IN THE COURSE OF WHICH MEANS OPERABLE TO SPLICE A WEB RUN BEING UNWOUND FROM A FIRST WEB ROLL TO THE PERIPHERY OF A NEW WEB ROLL ARE BROUGHT INTO WORKING POSITION RELATIVE TO SAID RUN AND SAID NEW ROLL AND THEN, WITH THE NEW ROLL ROTATING AT THE SPEED OF SAID RUN, ARE OPERATED TO FORM A SPLICE, WHEREIN SAID CONTROL MEANS INCLUDE MEANS FOR INITIATING SAID SEQUENCE OF OPERATIONS AT A MOMENT WHEN THE UNWINDING FIRST ROLL HAS SUBSTANTIALLY A PREDETERMINED LENGTH OF WEB REMAINING THEREON, MEANS ACTUATABLE AFTER SAID MOMENT TO OPERATE SAID SPLICING MEANS, AND MEANS OPERATED IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE SPEED OF TRAVEL OF THE WEB UNWINDING FROM SAID FIRST ROLL FOR ACTUATING THE LAST-RECITED MEANS AT AN INTERVAL AFTER SAID MOMENT VARYING IN INVERSE RELATION TO SAID SPEED, WHEREBY A DESIRED MINIMAL LENGTH OF WEB WILL REMAIN ON SAID FIRST ROLL WHEN THE SPLICE IS FORMED, IRRESPECTIVE OF THE WEB SPEED. 